(a)
(1) The Arkansas Economic Development Council shall consist of sixteen (16) members, who shall be qualified electors of this state, to be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(2)
(A) At least three (3) members shall be appointed from each of the four (4) congressional districts existing on January 1, 2012.
(B) Four (4) members shall be appointed at large.
(3) The members appointed by the Governor shall be selected with special reference to their knowledge of and interest in the resources and economic development of the State of Arkansas.
(b) For each member appointed by the Governor, the term of office shall commence on January 15 following the expiration date of the preceding term and shall end on January 14 of the fourth year following the year in which the regular term commenced.
(c) A vacancy arising in the membership of the council appointed by the Governor for any reason other than expiration of the regular terms for which the members were appointed shall be filled by appointment by the Governor to be thereafter effective until the expiration of the terms, subject to the confirmation of the Senate when it is next in session.
(d) Before entering upon his or her duties, each member of the council shall take, subscribe, and file in the office of the Secretary of State an oath to support the United States Constitution and the Arkansas Constitution and to faithfully perform the duties of the office upon which he or she is about to enter.
(e) Members of the council may receive expense reimbursement and stipends in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq.
(f) Members of the council, acting in good faith, are not personally liable under this subchapter.